Update: I was unfortunately not aware of Shamus Young's severe criticism of Fallout 3 available here to link in the original piece and I regret that. It dovetails rather nicely with what I've written and it's much better executed than my piece. I strongly recommend anyone...

Area 51 Screenshots

CHICAGO – February 16, 2005 – Conspiracy theorists rejoice! Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), a leading interactive entertainment industry publisher and developer, today announced that AREA 51 is currently in development for the PC and is scheduled to ship in April 2005 alongside its console counterparts. Developed internally by Midway Studios Austin, the game features intense first-person shooting action, a secret alien base on earth, government cover-ups and a blockbuster Hollywood cast, proving AREA 51 is a must-have game for players of any system.

"Midway is committed to expanding the breadth of its product line to encompass the PC games sector," said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway. "Simultaneously introducing all three SKUs will enable us to effectively maximize our marketing efforts and create a high-level of consumer awareness at launch."

Cast in the lead role is David Duchovny, star of the ultimate conspiracy-theory television show, The X-Files , who lends his instantly recognizable voice to AREA 51's lead character, Specialist Ethan Cole, a special forces soldier specializing in hazardous materials investigations. Powers Boothe, who currently appears in the HBO mini-series Deadwood , provides the voice of Major Bridges, while shock rocker Marilyn Manson delivers an unforgettable performance as Edgar, the gray alien.

AREA 51 boasts a rich online experience of up to 16 players for the PC, PlayStation ® 2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox ® video game system. Players' online experiences will be enhanced with game modes such as Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and Humans vs. Alien Mutant Team Deathmatch.

Game Description :

The U.S. Army has received a distress signal from Area 51 where a viral outbreak has just shut down the research facility and the automated quarantine procedures have locked all scientific and military personnel inside. A small Special Forces unit including Specialist Ethan Cole of the HAZMAT (hazardous materials) Division is sent to investigate.

As Cole, players delve into the massive levels within the confines of Area 51, only to discover a deadly mutagenic side effect of the virus that controls the minds of those infected, as well as an ancient alien colony buried beneath the facility. Players will uncover the truth behind chilling conspiracies as they come across the remnants of the extraterrestrial crash at Roswell , alien autopsies, and the faked lunar landing. Cole must solve the enigma of Area 51 before the viral mutagen is released and irrevocably mutates all life on Earth.

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